The Impact of Pavement Type and Roughness on Paint Marking Retroreflectivity

Abstract

This article addresses the impact of asphalt type and roughness on paint pavement marking retroreflectivity. Marking retroreflectivity and pavement roughness data were collected on two-lane highways in North Carolina. A t test was used to analyze the data. It was found that the mean values of the retroreflectivity measurements for the plant mixed pavements are significantly higher than those for the bituminous surface treatment (BST; chip seal) pavements. The mean left-wheel international roughness index (IRI) values and right-wheel IRI values for plant mixed pavements are lower than for the BST pavement. The conclusion is that marking crews should consider applying higher-quality paint markings (thicker paint and more glass beads) on BST pavements to achieve the same service life as the markings on plant mixed pavements. This would provide drivers with a more consistent and uniform marking retroreflectivity and the agency or municipality with a more consistent marking schedule.